Apple Reportedly Developing Under-Display Camera Technology for iPhones

While Apple has already made advancements in reducing bezels and introducing Dynamic Island to its non-Pro iPhones, there are reports that the company is now working on integrating an under-display camera (UDC) on future iPhones. According to the source, LG Innotek, one of Apple’s Korean suppliers, has started the preliminary development of an under-panel camera system that eliminates the need for a camera hole on the display.

To address the issue of reduced light transmission with current under-panel camera systems, LG Innotek is said to be working on a special lens system called a “freeform optic” multiple lens system. This lens system allows for control of the thickness of the peripheral lens, reducing distortion and improving image quality around the camera module.

Apple has reportedly received under-display camera samples from undisclosed companies, but found their quality to be unsatisfactory. To meet Apple’s standards, LG Display, an affiliate of LG Innotek, plans to increase the light transmittance of the under-panel camera from 20% to 40% by using a transparent PI substrate instead of the existing polyimide substrate after 2024.

However, it is worth noting that consumers will have to wait until the iPhone 18 series to see this new under-display camera system in action. It is expected that Apple will adopt under-panel Face ID technology in the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025, which will feature a circular cutout for the front-facing camera. In 2027, Apple is predicted to release an all-screen iPhone with under-display cameras in the iPhone 19 Pro models.

It is worth mentioning that Samsung has already introduced under-display camera technology in its foldable devices since 2021. Apple, known for perfecting technologies rather than being the first to launch them, has taken a similar approach with under-display cameras. By incorporating an all-screen design, Apple will be able to maximize the screen space and accommodate more icons for users.